Workers demonstrate over factory shutdowns in Savar, Ctg

Workers from two readymade garment factories under the Pride Group — HR Textile Mills and Fashion Knit Garments — staged demonstrations in front of their factories in Savar today, demanding the immediate reopening of the facilities.

On the other hand, around 2,000 workers of Excelsior Shoes Limited protested at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), blocking the Airport Road in Chattogram city, following the closure of their factory amid ongoing unrest.

In Savar, hundreds of workers protested by staging a sit-in in front of their factories around 7:30am protesting the factory closure, said police.

According to workers, the layoffs were announced without prior consultation, and many were shocked to find a notice at the factory entrance declaring the closures when they returned to work after the Eid vacation. 

The notices stated that the layoffs at the two factories would remain in effect until 30 April.

"The decision was taken due to gas shortage, financial complexity and reduction of work orders," said Monirul Islam, Managing Director (Administration and Compliance) of the factories. "The authorities are working to solve the problem and I hope the two factories will restart their production soon after solving the crises," he added.

A meeting between worker representatives and factory authorities was held around 12:30pm in the presence of law enforcement officials. Following the discussion, an agreement was signed ensuring that all the dues of the workers will be paid by May.

"The situation is currently normal and an agreement has been signed after reaching a solution through discussions," Monirul told The Business Standard.

In Chattogram, the demonstration was sparked by the abrupt shutdown of their factory and the recent dismissal of 40 workers, which has fueled ongoing unrest among the workforce.

Protests began on 5 April after the company laid off the workers, accusing them of violating disciplinary codes. On 6 April, the factory declared indefinite closure due to ongoing unrest. 

The situation escalated this morning when workers took to the streets, halting vehicular movement on the vital Airport Road at CEPZ intersection and causing severe disruption for commuters and workers from other nearby factories.

Police later dispersed the crowd with baton charges. 

"As the authorities refused to reinstate the dismissed workers, no negotiations were held," said Mohammad Solaiman, superintendent of industrial police.
He said, "If the workers contact us or the CEPZ authority, we will negotiate to reopen the factory."

Factory officials claim the sacked workers are instigating unrest by rallying their colleagues, while employees argue the layoffs were unjust and demand reinstatement.